Hopkins Jr., William B. HOPKINS, M.D.,William Benjamin Jr., 82 of Tampa, a faithful servant of our Lord,died peacefully at home April 5, 2006, after a short illness. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and physician. He was born in Richmond, Va., March 25, 1924, to William Benjamin Hopkins Sr. and Mary Conrad Nicholson Hopkins. They settled in Tampa in 1925. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Nancy Hill Hopkins. In 1999, he met, fell in love and married Elizabeth Harper Holmes. Bill attended Gorrie Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and H.B. Plant High schools, graduating in 1942. He attended The Citadel one year before enlisting in the Army during World War II. He selected to attend Cornell University where he completed his pre-med courses and was accepted at the Medical College of Virginia. Two years later he went to Harvard Medical School, from which he graduated in 1948. He completed an internship in Chattanooga, Tenn., and an internal medicine fellowship at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, La. In 1950, he was appointed a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve Medical Corps and served during the Korean conflict until 1954. He moved back to Tampa where he was in private practice as an internist and cardiologist. He was the first medical examiner in Hillsborough County, a member of the group that started One Davis Boulevard and chief of medicine at Tampa General Hospital. He was the first head of the sub-section of cardiology at Tampa General Hospital and chief of medical staff at Memorial Hospital. In 1980, Bill retired from private practice to become director of medical services for General Telephone and Electronics. He was past president of the Family Service Association of Hillsborough County, and a member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. He was a member of the Tampa Yacht Club and County Club, past member of the University Club, Palma Ceia Golf and County Club, the Merrymakers Club and Kiwanis. Bill was a avid tennis player and a wonderful dancer (including square dancing). He was a lover of music and found pleasure in listening to, singing and sharing his music. He enjoyed traveling, watching sports, reading and playing bridge with close friends. Bill was a true friend and a caring, compassionate person to all who knew him. His former nurses loved and respected him and kept in touch with him often. He grew up in Hyde Park Methodist Church, where he was in the choir and had served as chairman of the board of stewards. A generous supporter of charities and church, Bill took seriously his responsibility as a steward of God’s bounty. He arose in the morning to have a quit time with his Lord, reading the Bible, a devotional and spending time in prayer. He spoke of being thankful to God for the good, full life and for the opportunity to minister to his patients with the medical skill God had given him. He treasured each member of his family and the constant, affirming love and care of his wife, Libby. He is survived by his wife, Libby; four children, Dr. William B. Hopkins III (Leanne) of Greenville, S.C., Howard Hill Hopkins of Tampa, Elizabeth Nicholson Aubin (George) of Lakeland and Frances Conrad Hopkins of Tampa; three stepsons, Irvin Holmes (Kathy) of Burlington, Calif., Brent Holmes (Susan) of Pinehurst, N.C., and Paul Holmes (Julie) of Atlanta, Ga. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth H. Heinmiller (Charles) of Chapel Hill ,N.C.; sister-in-law, Betsy Cole (Howard) of Richmond, Va.; five grandchildren, G.J. Wallace (Keri), Ben Aubin (Cindy), Howard Aubin, Casey Poynter (Cliff) and Jeff Hopkins; two nieces, Nancy McInnes (Ron) and Mary Gene Hennessy (Kevin); nine stepgrandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Many lives are better because he lived. A memorial service will be 2 p.m.,Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt St.,Tampa, FL 33606. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Soar (for disabled children), 120 Haywood Road, Greenville ,SC 29615, or to the charity of you choice. Arrangements are by Blount ‘ Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue chapel, 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, Fla.
Posted in:
Posted on:
Link to original obituary: